Sony’s PS4 to Charge Monthly Fee for Online Gaming

Sony’s PlayStation 4 is due to arrive Stateside in less than two weeks, but it’s not just the $399 price tag that gamers will have to factor in. For those who enjoy playing online games, Sony will be charging a monthly fee of $9.99 for access to online games through the PlayStation Plus portal. Gamers can also pay $17.99 for three months or $49.99 for a year, but no matter which plan you pick, it’s going to cost you to play games online. Hit the jump for more.

The PS4 goes on sale on Nov. 15 in the U.S. for $399, on Nov. 29 in Europe for €399, and on Feb. 22, 2014 in Japan for 39,980 yen.

Online gaming on the PS3 and portable PS Vita consoles are currently free. Monthly charges in the U.S. will be $9.99 monthly, $17.99 for three months or $49.99 for a year. The monthly fee in Europe will be €6.99, with similar discounts for longer plans. In Japan, the monthly fees are set to be 500 yen.

Here’s an explanation from Sony in response to an IGN story on the monthly fees:

When PS4 launches on November 15, PlayStation Plus will continue to be offered at US $49.99 for a year membership. For less than $5 a month, PS Plus members will have access all the benefits across PS4, PS3 and PS Vita. At E3 earlier this year, we introduced a new PS Plus membership option for 30 days in North America and Europe ($9.99 /€6.99), available now in the PlayStation Store. PS4 gamers who aren’t PS Plus members will be able to enjoy a variety of network services, including access to video/TV services, select free-to-play games and sharing with friends.

Is PlayStation Plus necessary for multiplayer gameplay on PS4?

Will non PS Plus members be able to play free to play online games on PS4?

Certain titles built on a free-to-play model will not require PlayStation Plus for multiplayer functionality in North America. This list currently includes Blacklight Retribution, DC Universe Online, and War Frame in North America.

Can I play online without a Plus membership?

Generally speaking, no. PlayStation Plus membership is required to play the majority of online titles on PS4, however a selection of free-to-play multiplayer titles will be available without a PS Plus membership.